Question

If leaders wanted to create a government that is more effective than the government under the Articles of Confederation, which is the most important idea that should be embraced?

The federal and state governments should be equal.
The federal government cannot be weak.
The federal government must have an elected leader.
The state governments should be weak.

Answer 1

The federal government cannot be weak.

Explanation: Under the Articles the national government lacked powers (taxation, regulation of commerce, enforcement), which made it ineffective. Strengthening the federal government while keeping some state powers (not eliminating them) was the key goal of the Constitutional convention.